Transfer Guide for
International Students
Thank you for your interest in our programs. We hope you will find this information helpful as you begin your application process. In registering for
courses and/or accepting admission into the University of Massachusetts Lowell, each student assumes the responsibility for knowing and complying
with the definitions, regulations, and procedures as set forth in our website and publications. Additionally, international students should be aware of
their responsibility to know and adhere to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations.
Students interested in pursuing a degree or certificate through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies at UMass Lowell must provide
proof that they have completed a minimum of high school level education. If you completed your high school level education abroad, or if you have
taken college-level courses outside the U.S. and would like to have your credits evaluated for transfer credit eligibility, you will need to contact World
Education Services (WES) to have your documents and credentials evaluated.
World Education Services provides UMass Lowell with professional assistance in interpreting prospective students' educational documentation.
While the information below is designed to help guide you through the process of obtaining a Credential Evaluation from WES, we strongly advise
you to check directly with WES for the most up-to-date information regarding regulations, requirements, restrictions, forms and applicable fees.
Visit www.wes.org for details.
The Evaluation Process
WES's evaluation fees vary based on the type of evaluation you request. Students who have only completed high school level education abroad
should select the Document-by-Document option. Students who have completed college-level courses or a degree abroad should select the
Course-by-Course Evaluation option.
1. Apply for a WES Credential Evaluation at www.wes.org and receive a reference number.
2. Carefully follow the documentation requirements and arrange for your official academic transcripts to be sent from your previous educational
institution(s) to both WES and UMass Lowell. If you choose the Basic Evaluation, you must also provide UMass Lowell with official transcripts.
If you choose the ICAP Evaluation, WES will send a verified copy of your transcripts on your behalf along with your evaluation.
3. WES will evaluate the academic records and will prepare an official Credential Evaluation Report.
4. On the WES website, be sure to designate the University of Massachusetts Lowell as the Educational Institution recipient to which you would
like WES to send your Credential Evaluation Report. Please provide WES with the following address:
University of Massachuestts
Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies
839 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01854
Once the evaluation is completed, WES will mail a copy of your evaluation to you and to UMass Lowell.
5. Students must also provide UMass Lowell with course descriptions for any college-level courses they would like to transfer. Course descriptions
must be in English or they must include a certified translation. Course descriptions should be sent directly to UMass Lowell at the address above,
or emailed to, or faxed to 978-934-4006, along with your name and either your date of birth or UML Student ID#. This information must be
received by UMass Lowell before any application and course transfer decisions can be made. Please email OCE_Admission[email protected] for
additional information regarding your application.
Additional Information for International Students
The University of Massachusetts Lowell does not issue student visa documents (i.e., Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, etc.) to students for any online
programs. International students presently living in the U.S. who are registering for online courses through the Division of Graduate, Online &
Professional Studies must provide proof of non-immigrant status. Please submit a copy of: Your current visa document (Form I-20, Form DS-2019,
Form I-797, Employee Authorization Card, etc.); visa stamp; and I-94 card, https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ with your registration form. F-1 and J-1 students
from another academic institution must obtain the consent of their U.S. sponsoring institution in order to enroll for courses at UMass Lowell. Such
consent will be reviewed by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). These students will not be permitted to be full-time or degree seeking
students at UMass Lowell while maintaining F-1 or J-1 student status from another academic institution. Students holding B-1 and B-2 status may not
register for any academic classes. F-2 spouses and minor children of a legal F-1 student may not engage in a full-time program of study, but may work
towards completion of a degree while on part-time status. Please contact the International Students and Scholars Office at int[email protected] with
any questions.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies
839 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01854
5/11/2020-LG
